V THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2020 Vol. 133 | No. 9
videtteonline.com
Provost Tarhule prioritizes passions during pandemic
FEATURES 6
SPORTS 7
TOP 10 FRIGHTENING FLICKS THIS HALLOWEEN
FANTASY FOOTBALL: IMAGINING HOCO 2020
Making sure
‘students are successful’
KELLIE FOY News Editor | @kellie_foy
F
or Illinois State University Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Aondover Tarhule, transitioning into the role of provost this past July was not too hard of a task. While the university was shut down to students, faculty and staff for the remainder of the spring semester due to the coronavirus pandemic, the last few months leading up to former Provost Jan Murphy’s retirement in July were well spent for Tarhule. Tarhule spent most of his preparation for his new position observing Murphy and meeting with her and many of the administration’s working committees as they tackled their COVID-19 plans during this time. “I can’t give Jan enough credit, she was super amazing. We started talking by phone and email I think back in May, so I already had plenty of meetings with her. I had several two-hour meetings with her long before I started, where she went very painstakingly over all of our planning and all of the issues of how the office runs,” Tarhule said. “I got a lot of training and transition of information; she was just really amazing. I don’t see what else she could have done. She was very helpful to me in terms of sharing information and enlighten me know, just issues, that priorities that she was working on, and any kinds of institutional information that she could share.” As he observed Murphy and the administration’s working committees before taking over Murphy’s position, Tarhule was still finishing up the academic year at his previous position in New York as vice provost and dean of the Graduate School at Binghamton University. See TARHULE on Page 5
Photograph by Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2020
Rocking the vote: Early voting locations
esides mail-in ballots, early voting has begun in parts of Bloomington. Students at Illinois State University can vote early next week in the Rosa Parks room at Watterson Towers and in the Founders Suite at the Bone Student Center. Early voting is also taking place at Eastland Mall or the Grossinger Motors Arena. Times and dates vary. Students can register in person to vote and must change their address if they moved dorm rooms or to an apartment. COMPILED BY GRACE KINNICUTT | NEWS EDITOR
FAST FACTS WHAT: Early Voting WHEN: Oct. 26-30 WHERE: Founders Suite, Bone Student Center and Rosa Parks Room, Watterson Towers TIME: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Founders Suite, noon to 7 p.m. in Rosa Parks Room WHAT: Early Voting WHEN: Oct. 24-25, 2631, Nov. 1-2 WHERE: Eastland Mall and Grossinger Motors Arena TIME: Times and dates vary at both places. Check on McLean County Clerk website.
Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
Located on the second floor of the Bone Student Center, signs about voting are on display to encourage students to get out and vote this year.
Providing financial help for those in need BY THE NUMBERS $5,000 in direct cash
relief to Illinois residents and immigrants struggling financially
10% of households in
U.S. struggling to keep up with rent
3% residents can not
receive COVID-19 benefits
3 months of rent and utilities covered for those who qualify
Immigration Project provides direct cash relief to some Illinois immigrants MEGHAN FORTUNATO News Reporter | @ Meghanfortunato
The Immigration Project Inc. (TIP) is providing up to $5,000 in direct cash relief to Illinois resident immigrants struggling economically from COVID-19. With communities struggling with financial burdens already, COVID-19 has added financial issues to counties across Illinois. The Immigration Project is providing legal assistance to low-income immigrants across 86 downstate Illinois counties. Due to the pandemic, 10% of households in the U.S. are struggling to keep up with rent. The government-provided relief has offered people the assistance through federal unemployment, the federal stimulus check and public assistance programs. The pandemic has affected immigrant and
STAFF LIST Photo Editors Alex Gant Maia Huddleston
Features Editor Andrea Ricker
Night Editors Katie Beste Kelvin Pough
Sports Editors Jake Fogal Jake Sermersheim
Social Media Lauren Hamlin
Art Director Flynn Geraghty
Office Manager Danielle Burstyn
Ad Sales Manager Brianna Wilkens
Marketing Team Manager Erynn Schroeder
Ad Production Manager Haliah Offutt Business Manager Grant Olson
MEGHAN FORTUNATO is a News Reporter for The Vidette. She can be contacted at mefortu@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @Meghanfortunato.
PHONE OR FOLLOW
2020-2021 Editor in Chief Elizabeth Seils News Editors Kellie Foy Grace Kinnicutt
minority groups in the U.S. Across the country, workers aren’t eligible for benefits and services that are provided. Especially in Illinois, only 3% of residents can’t receive benefits of COVID-19 relief programs. TIP’s latest installment of COVID-19 is the direct relief program. The project is non-partisan and nonprofit immigration legal services. The organization helps in payment where applicants can receive up to three months of rent and utilities for households who qualify. People who qualify can apply by Dec. 15 through the Immigration Project website or call (309) 8298703.
Business Adviser Madeline Smith General Manager John Plevka
Editor 309.438.8745 Display Ads 309.438.8742 Business 309.438.5929 Classifieds 309.438.7685 Fax 309.438.5211 General Manager 309.438.7688
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NEWS IN BRIEF Road closure between Beech and Linden Street Starting Monday, Westbound College Avenue will be closed between Beech Street and Linden Street. Eastbound College Avenue will be reduced to one lane from Oak Street to Beech Street This closure is due to water main repairs and pavement restoration. The street is set to reopen on Friday once the repairs are finished. Finishing the street could depend on how good the weather is during the repair and when the pavement is being restored. One suggested route that drivers can take is Beech Street to Willow Street to Linden Street as a detour.
ALEXIS PLUMMER | News Reporter
The Vidette
The Vidette is published Tuesdays every week, except for final examinations, holidays and semester breaks. The digital Summer Vidette is published in June and July. Students are responsible for the content of the Vidette. The views presented do not necessarily represent, in whole or part, those of the Illinois State University administration, faculty and students. The Vidette is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Illinois College Press Association. Subscriptions are available by mail to anywhere in the United States for $150 per calendar year. © The Vidette 2020 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2020
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
COVID-19 testing plan raises BOT concerns Board, Dietz exchange thoughts on ISU spring semester testing, quarantine formats KELLIE FOY News Editor | @kellie_foy
C
oncerns over Illinois State University’s coronavirus testing plans were the central focus of the Board of Trustees meeting Friday morning. Members expressed concern about the university’s testing plans for the spring semester as well as the plans and process for quarantining both on-campus and off-campus students. Plans currently include bringing the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign’s saliva-based testing to campus and having mandatory testing for student employees, students living in residence halls and students attending in-person and hybrid classes. The Board of Trustees approved its current $3.3 million contract with Reditus Laboratories in mid-August. John Baur , chemistry professor and leading coordinator for the saliva-based testing sites, presented that only about $1.2 million of this testing has been conducted. Baur also said that the plan is to have the saliva-based testing sites up and running by the end of this semester. The hope is to have students getting tested when they arrive on campus for the spring semester. “We plan to have the shield method in place by the end of this semester, probably [by] late November [or] December. So, when students come back in early January, we’ll have the ability to essentially do large scale testing,” Baur said. Following this response, Board of Trustees Secretary Mary Ann Louderback questioned whether students should be required to get tested before coming back to campus for the spring semester. “I guess I have a real problem with [us letting] students come back without being already negative,” Louderback said. “I mean I think we had a problem with that and that’s when I think the township gets a little uptight because students come back from vacation.” ISU President Larry Dietz responded to
Elizabeth Sproat | Photographer | @elizabethsproat
The Board of Trustees spent Friday’s quarterly meeting discussing COVID-19 testing, the contract with Connect Transit and much more.
MEETING DECISIONS 2021 operating budget approved for $487.3 million $11 million increase for 2022 budget, to accommodate for COVID-19 losses of revenue and additional costs of online programs Approval of capital investment projects for the 2022 fiscal year Six-month extension with Connect Transit Naming of a University Farm classroom and a Multicultural Center office space this by saying that the university has the ability to do it once students arrive on campus and that other universities in the state are not doing it this way. “I think it is very difficult to require that because there’s really no teeth in the requirement and other institutions in the state are doing what you are suggesting,” Dietz said.
Louderback said that the impact ISU students have on the surrounding community is large and the concern of having another spike is high, referring back to the spike that happened at the beginning of the fall semester. “If we’re going to test them before they move in, that’s fine,” Louderback said. “But for the Town of Normal, I know Bloomington and Normal [were] very nervous when we came back in the fall and I don’t want to see that happen again.” The discussion of the testing concerns then shifted to the university’s quarantine process and spaces. Dietz said that the residence halls are at 50% capacity and many students are living off campus or at their permanent residences. A total of 5% of both the residence halls and off-campus apartment spaces are set aside as isolation and quarantine spaces. Dietz said the university decided to reach out to local hotels for help and to have more available isolation spaces if needed. “During the spike in COVID-19 cases on campus and at a time when the [Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention] changes its recommendation to indicate that students testing positive should not be sent home, the university became concerned that it would not have sufficient spaces on campus to house students who were under quarantine,” Dietz said. Members responded to this with questions about how the process works for both oncampus and off-campus students if they test positive. Many showed some concern for how the isolation spaces would impact the health and safety of non-ISU students staying in the hotels. “These spaces that we would then be contracting for are on a particular floor and they are only for us. Those students are expected to stay in those spaces and not leave their rooms,” Vice President for Student Affairs Levester Johnson said. The six-month contract between ISU and Connect Transit, COVID-19 effects on the operational budgeting plans for the 2021 and 2022 fiscal years and public concerns about the usage of Proctortrack were also brought up during the meeting.
ISU and Pride celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month MEGHAN FORTUNATO News Reporter | @Meghanfortunato
The month of October is a time to recognize the contributions the LGBTQ+ community have made in society and celebrate their strides throughout history. This celebration is designed to provide impactful role models by positively affecting growth of community. Many use this as a time to educate and to spread recognition of sexual orientation beyond gender binaries, to reflect how the community was built from the ground up and where it is going to lead in the future. National Coming Out Day (NCOD) on Oct. 11 falls within the month-long celebration, supporting one another and celebrating those who choose to share their identity. “College is often a formative time for a lot of LGBTQ+ folk’s lives,” Illinois State University Pride President Emily Patterson said. “Some have the opportunity to come out when they’re younger, but a lot of folks don’t really have that opportunity until they are kind of able to get into their own space.” For mass media major Ava Wendel, seeing where Pride’s history stands at ISU goes to show how far the group has come and where it is headed for years to come. “It was insane hearing about Pride’s history at ISU and what those students had to go through when they came out,” Wendel said. “Knowing it was just several decades ago shows how far we have come, but there is still a lot more history to be made.”
Zoe Wood | Photographer | @zoe_rae10
October is LGBTQ+ History Month, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and its contributions to history.
Illinois State University Queer Coalition is merging LGBT/Queer Studies and Services Institute, including faculty and staff into the ISU Triangle Association. Focusing on evolving resources on campus,
the group is handled through Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. “The WGS Department does a great job at implementing classes specifically dedicated to LGBTQ+ history,” Patterson said. “I had the privilege to take a class on that and it was incredibly informative. I’m learning stuff I’ve never heard of before.” The newly formed organization wants to emphasize the connection between faculty, staff and graduate students for support. The coalition center encourages activism and advocacy for students seeking out a role model for guidance. Queer Coalition holds the first meeting 5:15 p.m. Friday over Zoom. Having a history month gives people the opportunity to dedicate time to learning history about the community. Patterson went on to express how LGBTQ+ history is not a thing on its own. Queer people have been around for forever and have been intersecting in every bit of history. Patterson has taken it upon herself to educate members in the community through hosting online events to inform students about Pride and the achievements made by role models who built the community where it stands today. Events included a two-part history night series where a speaker was brought in to discuss the intersections between native and trans-activist movements. Yearly speaker Barb Dallinger, also known as the former Pride adviser, met
online with students to speak about the history of the LGBTQ+ community’s impact on society. Pride celebrated NCOD, where members sent out a video and created packages of affirmative items to people who requested the items from the registered student organization. Another event takes a look at gatekeeping within the community in collaboration with other multicultural organizations on campus. “We’re gonna focus on how we validate our folks, make sure that Pride is a safe space for all of our LGBTQ+ folks no matter what the intersections of their identity are,” Patterson said. At the end of October, Pride will be hosting a Queertober Ball celebration. This encourages people to dress up in costumes and be themselves including drag performances, games and queer history trivia all through Zoom. “We have such a rich history, and it shows us the distances we have come, but how far we have left to go,” Pride Community Organizing Chair Lexi Boberg said. “Nobody should be told that they don’t have a history. Knowledge of our history is powerful, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.” LGBTQ+ history has been affective to those within the community building strides toward equality for queer people within the last 50 years. Understanding where it started and has continued on today is important to those who have struggled with harassment for being who they are and will continue to be.
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2020
Free speech important now more than ever
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ith the way 2020 has been, this week’s celebration of the American right to freedom of speech takes on a new meaning. The right to freedom of speech and expression is something guaranteed to us by law thanks to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. It is also acknowledged by the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights as something for all people. With our current political climate, it can be difficult to see the value in our right to free speech and a free press. Often people use their right to speak their mind to tear each other down and incite hatred. All around we see people exercising their free speech to scream at one another and treat everyone else like they are subhuman. Look no further than the last presidential debate to see how awry things can become when we say whatever we want. Events like that make it seem like we’ve gone too far as a nation, and perhaps we need to rein it in. Just because you have the legal right to speak your mind, doesn’t mean you should. Sometimes, it
is better to say nothing if you have nothing nice to say. It’s an idea we learn as children, but an important reminder given the current state of the world. Yes, you have the right to yell and scream and spread hatred and ignorance, but the right to speak doesn’t mean that everyone has to listen. There’s only so much anger someone can take without feeling it weigh them down and, looking around, we seem to be reaching that breaking point. That isn’t to say that now is the time for silence. Now, more than ever, we need people who are willing to stand up
and speak their minds. Rather, alongside our freedom to speak, we must also utilize our level heads to listen. Ultimately, what we’ve been doing isn’t working. People can shout past each other from opposite ends of the aisle all day long, but that isn’t going to get us any closer. What does it say about America when the very people we have put our trust in to listen to us and make policies for our collective benefit can’t even stop shouting long enough to listen to our needs? Listening to someone isn’t to say you have to agree with them either. There
are people who you won’t, maybe even can’t, ever agree with. But shouting incessantly doesn’t do anything except make us deaf to the problems we are facing and the humanity of those around us. The American Civil Liberties Union, one of the forefront advocates for our right to free speech, argues that upholding the right to free speech for those we disagree with is how we ensure the right to speak out for everyone. If the smallest voices among us aren’t allowed to speak, even if all they’re saying is hatred, then how can we say that we truly have the right to free speech? With this upcoming election, it is also key we remember that the loudest voice is not the strongest. Someone may have the platform to scream louder than the rest, but that doesn’t mean they can drown us all out. There is strength in numbers, because while one voice grows quiet, it is the collective that can take up your mantle and keep on speaking. This week, remember your freedom, and your human right to speak. Then, go out and do something with it.
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by KATIE BESTE, a member of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Editorial policy is determined by the student editor, and views expressed in editorials are those of the majority of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Columns that carry bylines are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Vidette or the university.
It’s time to stop the candy corn hate MY VIEW JAKE SERMERSHEIM | Sports Editor
Y
ear in and year out, one fall tradition really grinds my gears. No, I am not mad about trick-ortreating, hayrides, bobbing for apples or any other understandable fall tradition. No, the fall tradition that needs to stop is everyone continuously hating on candy corn. Every year since I can remember, my mom and I would not so patiently wait for stores to put the signature bags of Brach’s Candy Corn in the seasonal aisle. As soon as they hit the shelf, at least two bags were in the cart. As a candy lover, I naturally eat the tri-
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colored candy by the bag, often going through at least five bags during the fall. But if you take a trip on to social media, it is quickly apparent that I am in the minority when it comes to my candy choices. And to be honest I cannot remember watching anyone who was not a part of my family full of sweet teeth eat candy corn. How people don’t like candy corn is beyond me. The sweet treat is reminiscent of the taste of honey. Many of my peers that I asked claimed it was too sweet or just disgusting. Another common complaint is the supposed waxy texture, but I have had no problems with it, actually, I enjoy the unique bite. When it comes to candy, candy corn is deeply engraved in America’s history. Candy corn was invented before most other iconic American candy. Invented in the 1880s by the now Jelly Belly company, candy corn is one of the oldest American candies still widely sold. To my surprise, I learned that candy corn came
50-60 years before iconic American candies like M&Ms and Snickers. Just the aesthetic of candy corn is enough reason to love it. No other candy has such an iconic and unique look. To be honest, I will never understand how someone could dislike candy corn, but I will not stand for the slander any longer. No other candy faces the kind of hatred candy corn does. Seemingly everyone is up in arms about their disdain for candy corn. In fact, last year candy corn was named the most hated candy in America by candystore.com, based on a survey of over 40,000 customers. Google searching candy corn brings in a flood of articles making arguments that are at times not even logically sound and just downright repetitive on points. Especially people who could not tell you why they dislike candy corn or the last time they had it. You only hate candy corn because social media tells you to; have an original idea. The
inventor, George Renninger, is surely rolling over in his grave seeing how people talk about his great invention. The hate it receives is completely overboard. I understand not liking a candy but you do not see me slandering black licorice all over the internet just because I do not prefer it. Speaking for all candy corn lovers out there — dislike candy corn in private and let us live our lives with bellies full of the sweet treat. Nevertheless, no matter what anyone says I will keep eating candy corn every fall. JAKE SERMERSHEIM is Sports Editor for the Vidette. He can be reached at jserme@ilstu. edu. Follow him on Twitter at @JakeSermersheim. Editor’s note: The views expressed in this column do not represent the views of The Vidette or the editorial staff at large. Candy corn tastes like a candle.
“
NOTABLE NUMBERS
THEY SAID IT
rank for ISU women’s basketball out of all the teams in the Missouri Valley Conference. Redbird men’s basketball ranked nine of 10.
We have such a rich history, and it shows us the distances we have come, but how far we have left to go. Nobody should be told that they don’t have a history. Knowledge of our history is powerful, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
? 5/10
SPORTS, PAGE 8
10%
of households in the U.S. are struggling to keep up with rent, according to the Immigration Project in Bloomington-Normal. The organization will offer grants of $5,000 to immigrants struggling economically due to COVID-19.
NEWS, PAGE 2
Lexi Boberg, Pride Community chair
EDITORIAL BOARD ELIZABETH SEILS Editor in Chief | @SeilsElizabeth ANDREA RICKER Features Editor @ricker_andrea GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor @GKinnicutt KATIE BESTE Night Editor @BesteKatherine
MAIA HUDDLESTON Photo Editor @maiawrites MYA ROBINSON Sports Reporter @Im_Myaaa JOHN MURRAY News Reporter @Jmurr_
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2020
TARHULE
Continued from Page 1
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
sion. Then you know that those people are already interested in doing that, and so you're not forcing them to do it because they can do so. I think the alignment of interest, passions and strategic ideas was really a big, big draw for me.”
Coming from Binghamton University to ISU during COVID-19 allowed him to balance the time between both universities and positions to make the proper transition With goals that vary from fundwhile also seeing the differences in ing to building on enrollment perspectives and locations. rates, Tarhule’s plans for tackling “There isn’t a one size fits all for the pandemic as provost have anybody in this situation and differincluded building on the current ent institutions [are] approaching it administration’s COVID-19 workdifferently. The notion that maybe ing committees with additional there is one right answer or one committees. right approach is just not correct Tarhule has used each of his own because we're never going to come working committees to bring the to that one conclusion within the best minds together when it comes same institution,” Tarhule said. to tackling student success at ISU “There are some people, faculty and campus life during and after and students alike who didn't want the pandemic, including taking the the school to reopen because they student and faculty perspective into were worried about the impact of account for any big decisions that COVID-19. But within the same have to be made. school, there were other people “COVID-19 is, of course, the who wanted students to be back on preeminent priority for now, but Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 campus, and they had arguments it's not the only thing. We know Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Aondover Tarhule sits at his desk in his office located in Hovey that were valid and legitimate comthat it's eventually going to end and Hall. Tarhule spends the first few minutes or so of the morning checking his inbox and responding to emails. panies completely correct from the we're hopeful, sooner rather than premise and perspectives.” later. One of the things I've been His transition during this time To Tarhule, this goes for the common and I granted a lot of it the things that you value. I'm reencouraging faculty to think about has also allowed him to take the aspect of how different universities was very similar. Maybe the institu- ally excited about student success. is the post-COVID-19 landscape,” time to reflect on many different as- and states are going about their retion's got better at different times, Every meeting I go to, I tell people Tarhule said. pects of education as both a faculty opening plans, the safety measures but ultimately, they got to about the only reason a university needs member and a parent to two kids. “What would we have learned that are made and the efforts to the same decision point. It was [a] to exist is to make sure students are “By watching from this time during COVkeep students very unique situation, and for me, a how my own ID-19 that we would like to and faculty unique opportunity to see the same FAST FACTS “By watching how my kids, the preferretain and incorporate into members the issues from two perspectives and ences that they how we run the university? own kids, the preferences number one BIRTHPLACE: Nigeria two institutions.” had and how What would we have idenpriority during Upon arrival and receiving his EDUCATION: Undergrad at University of Jos in Nigeria, that they had and how their institutified as deficiencies in our this time. new position as provost, Tarhule Graduate at McMaster University in Canada tions were appolicies, procedures and their institutions were “It was pretty strongly feels that he fit perfectly DEGREES: Bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate in geog- the things we do that we proaching the interesting that into ISU’s administration and staff. approaching the issues raphy, master’s in environmental resources planning issues definitely would like to make sure we seeing as He also believes he will be able to PREVIOUSLY served as vice provost and dean of the definitely [shows] that we’re II was [shows] that mitigate going forward?” was dean and achieve the goals and priorities he Graduate School at Binghamton University in New we're never Tarhule’s outlook for vice provost. has planned as provost, surroundnever going to be able to York. going to be able his new role, planning I was part of ing himself with a community that have an all-in-one solution.” the high-level shares the same values and comto have an allstrategies and a future in-one solution. Aondover Tarhule, ISU vice president of without COVID-19 has left planning for mon viewpoints as him. And in fact, that Academic Affairs and provost him with remaining optimism, yet COVID-19 Tarhule’s main priority as an successful. Not all universities or [solution] was with the realization that things will there, so I educator and administrator over not all institutions believe that. So, probably not not remain the same as they were was in a very time has included student sucif you go to a place where people very profitable [and was] one not before. unique position to be able to see or cess, making this something he are not excited about that, then likely to be successful for anybody,” participate in COVID-19-related has strived for with all his previous you're just gonna be butting heads,” “I think that the post-COVID-19 Tarhule said. planning to different institutions at positions. Tarhule said. landscape is not going to be the Tarhule highlighted that the the same time,” Tarhule said. “It alHaving ISU’s mission closely “I see at most universities, really same. We're never going to go back biggest observation he has noticed lowed me to put things in perspecaligned with Tarhule’s passion for at all universities, even as provost, to things exactly the way they were since March revolves around seetive, to see how each institution was student success, Tarhule believes you really don't have much power before,” Tarhule said. ing how different education levels approaching it, to see some of the this priority will allow him to build to compel people to do anything. have handled the pandemic and differences in the way that we were the rest of his foundation and goals Nobody can force them to do what KELLIE FOY is News Editor for their plans for both the previous approaching certain things, but also for ISU’s future post-pandemic. they don't want to do, so it's much The Vidette. She can be contacted spring semester and the current fall some of the commonalities,” “In general, you always want better to go to a place that shares at vidette_kafoy1@ilstu.edu. Follow semester. “By the way, a lot of it was very to be with people who are doing your vision [and] shares your pasFoy on Twitter at @kellie_foy.
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Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
A
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2020
Carving out good times
utumn is officially here, and with that comes a multitude of fall activities for students around Illinois State University to enjoy with their friends or family. With COVID-19 breathing down student’s necks, it is hard to get too terribly excited. Here are some things you can do for recreation or entertainSTORY BY JAKE DAHL | Features Reporter | @jdahl3005 ment PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ZOE WOOD | Photographer | @zoe_rae10 as the weather turns colder this year without worry about catching the coronavirus.
Ways to have safe fall fun
Go for a walk/hike There are plenty of places in the BloomingtonNormal area and beyond that make for perfect spaces to take in the scenery and enjoy the crunch of fallen leaves under your feet, whether that be Constitution Trail, or one of the many parks nearby. This fall may be feeling different due to COVID-19, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the season and have some fall fun. Whether you are a nature lover or not, sometimes general public, with plenty of gardens filled with beautiful and started carving up our pumpkins. We also put on some there is nothing better flora and various pathways and areas for all to enjoy. scary movies, which was the best part. It was fun seeing the than getting out in the cool fall air and walking around. “The facility is really nice to explore, and they even offer outcome of everyone’s pumpkin.” “I enjoy going for hikes with my girlfriend, especially in the tidbits of information about each of the plants, so you can fall, because we get to see all the beautiful colored leaves,” Have a costume party learn something while you enjoy the scenery,” anthropology criminal justice major Logan Meagher said. “Personally, I While traditional Halloween celebrations with tons of major Sarah Patterson said. “You can’t take any of the fruits would recommend Starved Rock State Park, if you can make people gathering in their costumes and enjoying each other’s or veggies they have growing, but there’s a lot of different the trip. There’s a section where every inch of the ground is company might seem a bit far-fetched due to the coronavirus, plants, herbs and flowers. There’s even a sunflower field that covered with bright yellow and orange leaves. It’s amazing.” having a smaller gathering while following social distancing I like to visit with friends on sunny days that’s perfect for guidelines or even gathering together virtually while dressed in Attend some virtual events from RSOs photos.” your favorite costumes is still better than nothing at all. While COVID-19 is stopping every normal in-person event Carve up some pumpkins in its tracks, there are still plenty of registered student Try out a corn maze One of the most important pieces of fall decor is the pumporganizations around campus who are putting on socially If you have spare time and some shoes you do not mind kin, a staple of the season and one of its biggest holidays, distanced in-person gatherings with mask requirements, or getting a little dirty, you could always try your hand at findHalloween. even entirely virtual events that would allow you to particiing your way out of a corn maze. Rader Family Farms will be Carving up a jack-o-lantern with your friends, whether it pate from the comfort of your dorm room or apartment. hosting a bring-your-own-flashlight night maze walkthrough be over a Zoom call or in a room socially distanced from one You can visit the Redbird Life page, and under the Events on Sunday with $10 admission, although you can walk another, is a prime example of a perfect activity to celebrate tab, you will find a long list of upcoming events that various through the maze during the day as well if you pay an $8 fee. the season. groups around campus are putting on. If you think you are good with maps and can find your way “We all came together and started picking designs, while through, get some friends together and try to conquer their Visit ISU’s Horticulture Center also helping each other pick them out,” Maya Cain, a conmazes. Rader Family Farms also has some COVID-19-related For those who are short on funds, the Horticulture Center servation biology major, said. “After that, we all gathered on regulations in place, so make sure to bring your mask. at ISU is a place just off campus that is free and open to the the floor on a tarp that we bought to keep the floors clean
Frightening flicks
Top scary movies as voted by ISU students YASMIN ODEH News Reporter | @yasminodeh3
With Halloween coming up, scary movie season is upon us. A survey conducted of 58 Illinois State University students unveiled a list of the top 10 scary movies of all time in order.
1. ‘The Conjuring’ (2013) Recommended by freshman Luis Ruiz, “The Conjuring” is chosen to be the scariest movie of all time by ISU students. With an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is sure to suffice this spooky season. The director of the film, James Wan, also directed “Insidious,” “Saw,” “The Nun” and “Annabelle,” some of the most successful horror movies. Upon the release of this movie, many individuals choosing to watch it were required to undergo psychological evaluations to ensure they were sane enough to endure the film. In addition, there have been reports of a man having a heart attack while watching the film. His cadaver later went missing along with his transporter. Take caution if you decide to put on The Conjuring tonight. Notable Actors: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Sterling Jerins and Lili Taylor Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, the AMC Channel, Sling TV and more
2. ‘Insidious’ (2010) Recommended by junior English teacher education major Cody Minder, “Insidious” makes second place in scary movies of all time, according to ISU students. The film is also directed by Wan and is rated 66% on Rotten Tomatoes. Out of a four-part series, the first Insidious has come out to be the best. Surprisingly, the film was shot in only three weeks. Notable Actors: Lin Shaye, Leigh Whannell, Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, Fubo TV, Google Play Movies and more
3. ‘Hereditary’ (2018) Coming in third place is “Hereditary,” a film sure to leave an audience with plenty to see in their nightmares. The movie has an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was directed by Ari Aster, who can also be credited for the award-winning horror film “Midsommar” from 2019. Aster, in the formation of the movie, desired to create a film steering away from traditional jump-scares for a plot that encompassed fear tied to emotion. Notable Actors: Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro and Gabriel Byrne
Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu and Google Play Movies
4. ‘The Exorcist’ (1973) Junior exercise science major Ignatius Segubun suggested “The Exorcist,” which has been voted into fourth place on this list. The movie is the first of a fivefilm series and is best known for its capability to twist and churn stomachs. It holds an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was directed by local and award-winner William Friedkin, who was born in Chicago. “The Exorcist” has been one of the most successful horror movies ever to be made with $441.3 million in profits. The film is also based on true occurrences. Notable Actors: Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn and Jason Miller Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, SlingTV, Google Play Movies and more
5. ‘The Blair Witch Project’ (1999) “The Blair Witch Project” is among the most popular “found-footage” films in history with an 86% Rotten Tomatoes rating. It is a favorite
Illustration by Flynn Geraghty | Art Director
across ISU making fifth place. The film was directed by Eduardo Sanchez and Daniel Myrick, both with “The Blair Witch Project” being their best work. Scenes in the movie where twigs are present contain teeth atop them. These were actual human teeth. Interestingly enough, the movie met its completion in filming on a Halloween night. Notable Actors: Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard and Michael C. Williams Streaming Platforms: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV and more
uEXPANDED STORY @ Videtteonline.com
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2020
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
Redbirds’ ‘sloppy’ but not surprising practice JAKE FOGAL Sports Editor | @Jfogal5
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dversity seems to be the tallest task heading into the 2020-21 season, and according to Illinois State University men’s basketball head coach Dan Muller, the team that can best handle the adversity set ahead of them will have the most success. The Redbirds have had their fair share of adversity through the first two months of the fall semester, as they returned for their first practice on Wednesday, six weeks ahead of the official start date for college basketball. Between Illinois State University’s high COVID-19 case rate and the Black Lives Matter protests that filled the campus in September, the Redbirds have had ample rest time. Yet that does not bode well for a team full of youths. Muller noted that everything has been odd thus far, and a sloppy first practice is to be expected. “First day was sloppy; lots of new guys are learning what it takes to be successful in Division I basketball. You can see the time that we missed this summer and the time that we missed this fall. Whether it was for quarantine or we couldn’t get guys here, you can see that we are further behind than normal years,” Muller said. “I don’t think the players have a feel, everything is just so weird. I don’t think they feel further behind, or they feel that things are a lot different, I think they just feel sore.” Nine players occupying the team are new to ISU, and Muller realizes that with the number of new names donning the Redbird jerseys this year, it is going to take time to adjust back to normal. Muller called the group of newbies fun to coach, but still has much work to do. “I don’t expect them to be veterans, I just expect them to get better and be coachable. And whether we are not good at the beginning of the year, as long as we are getting better,”
Imagining ISU’s canceled 2020 homecoming game
MY VIEW JAKE SERMERSHEIM | Sports Editor Picture this: the Missouri Valley Football Conference made the decision to play in the fall instead of pushing the season to the spring, like they actually did, and Illinois State University football is playing its homecoming game Saturday. The Western Illinois University Leathernecks are in town looking for their first win of the season. Despite social distancing regulations in place, there is still a good turnout. Better than last season’s homecoming against the Indiana State Sycamores that barely had anyone in the stands due to rain showers throughout the day. But this year is different. The weather is much nicer for one thing, at 51 degrees and just a light breeze — perfect football weather. Despite the middle of the pack team, the stands have been packed for every home game with everyone just happy to watch a game.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Continued from Page 8
Lexy Koudelka, Kate Bullman and Ally Gietzel are just a few names who could have splendid seasons. The MVC always packs a punch in head-to-head battles and this season should be no different. Gillespie was not read to address the ranking as disrespectful by the conference but I am. Five weeks until college basketball, anticipate the Redbirds to rattle some feathers and surprise their doubters.
Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
Illinois State University head coach Dan Muller talking to the Redbirds at the beginning of the first practice on Wednesday. Illinois State and the rest of the NCAA are set to begin their season on Nov. 25. Muller said. The youth on the team will be a fundamental part to the Redbirds season, but who is going to step up to lead the team? Keith Fisher III and DJ Horne are expected to pick up the scoring output that guard Zach Copeland accomplished a year ago. After getting selected for the Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Third-Team, Fisher III as the lone Redbird senior is the only player from the team to be recognized in the preseason rankings. Sophomore Antonio Reeves is expected to transition into a consistent
scoring threat, and Muller also had high praise for freshman Josiah Strong. A player who burst onto the scene last year for Redbird basketball is expected to take the next step and become a leader for the program. That being Horne, who as a sophomore has an opportunity to be someone his teammates can count on. “The next step for DJ is to be a leader, and yet as a sophomore that’s hard,” Muller said. “I don’t think he should be a perfect leader, but he has got to be a guy that can help guys play better. He’s got to be a guy that is
consistent with his focus, mindset and body language.” Also mentioned by Muller was for Horne to improve his off-the-ball defense. Muller confirmed that the Redbirds will be traveling to Nebraska to compete in a multiteam event hosting 16 teams. He was unsure of what would be on ISU’s slate, but expects eight non-conference games. With so much uncertainty accompanying this college basketball season, Muller has been constantly preaching to his guys to expect the unexpected.
REDBIRD REWIND
A look back at ’19 win over Sycamores Despite playing through constant rain, the Illinois State University football team was able to prevail 24-7 during last year’s homecoming over Indiana State University. With the weather making passing difficult, the Redbirds relied heavily on the running game. The ’Birds racked up 298 yards on the ground while only picking up a measly 11 through the air. “Gutsy win by our team. It was a miserable day,” ISU head coach Brock Spack said. “Our team had a tough, gritty Missouri Valley win. I was very proud of how they played in the second half and won with their physicality.” But through the downpour, the Redbirds’ defense stepped up. The Redbirds were able to take advantage of the Sycamores ability to hold onto the ball recovering three fumbles on three straight Sycamore possessions. The Redbirds are 3-3 and fresh off their third loss of the season to University of Northern Iowa a week prior. A win here for the Redbirds is crucial if they want to contend for a spot in the FCS playoffs. This is a much-needed game for the Redbirds who should easily take care of a Leatherneck team that
Former starting running back James Robinson was able to capitalize on the defense great plays with a pair of touchdowns on ensuing possessions. Robinson finished his day with 20 rushes for 180 yards. Despite his solid game, Robinson was not immune to the weather. “You have to do what you have to do. I could not feel my feet while running, but we got it done and that is all that matters,” Robinson said. “It feels like you are going to fall every step. I tried my hardest not to fall, I just had to keep pushing.” Coming into the game, the Redbirds were one of the top teams in the Missouri Valley Football Conference in third-down defense allowing teams to convert on just 33% of their third downs. The Redbirds kept that up, forcing a three and out on seven of 13 drives, including the Sycamores’ first five drives. finished the season before with a record of 1-11. Many expected the Redbirds to handily take this game against the much weaker opponent. But many are surprised as the Leathernecks are keeping it close, trailing 14-10 at halftime. Many are surprised by the winless Western
CLASSIFIEDS
ABOVE: Illinois State quarterback Brady Davis under center waiting to receive the snap. LEFT: The grandstands during the game. Inclimate weather produced a low turnout a season ago. Vidette Archive
keeping it this close of a game. But that is not out of the ordinary, Western usually keeps it close. But out of the half running back, Jeff Proctor grabs his footing and puts up 132 of his 149 rushing yards in the second half showing he is fit to replace James Robinson. Off of Proctor’s over 100 yards
second half, the Redbirds were able to narrowly edge out the Leathernecks 27-21. With the win, the Redbirds are above .500 with a 4-3 record. Editor’s note: This is an imaginative telling of ISU’s homecoming game that was set for Saturday.
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Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
I L L I N O I S S TAT E W O M E N ’ S B A S K E T B A L L
Returning to hardwood
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2020
Redbirds disrespected in MVC’s poll
ISU women’s hoops bounces back to practice amid COVID-19
RACHEL HICKEY Senior Sports Reporter | @r_hickey15
Illinois State University women’s basketball took to the court once more on Wednesday morning for the first official practice of the season. The 2020-2021 season is slated to begin in late November, as the Redbirds anticipate playing six non-conference games prior to their Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) regular season play. Road games are scheduled against in-state rivals Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois-Edwardsville University and Western Illinois University. Doug Collins Court will play host to Saint Louis University, University of North Dakota and possibly University of Dayton. The Redbirds finished last season 19-10 (11-7 MVC) but missed the opportunity to compete in Hoops in the Heartland due to the pandemic hitting in early March. Head coach Kristen Gillespie had hoped the Alex Gant | Photo Editor program would reach the elusive Illinois State women’s basketball head coach Kristen Gillespie addressing her team who are grouped on the base20 wins last year and realizes they line. likely will not have that opportunity during the previous season. The aged 11.1 points per game in her key role for the Redbirds this winter this upcoming season. landscape of the team is anticipated Redbird debut season. Redmond is is DeAnna Wilson, who along with “If we play 20 games, I will be expected to lead a talented group Terrion Moore and redshirts Maya ecstatic. Right now, though, we are to be much different for the upcoming season. of upperclassmen to help guide the Wong and Ally Gietzel will each have focusing on what we can “I think it is going to program’s success. a hand in the Redbirds’ pursuit of a control,” Gillespie said. be a more well spread “JuJu [Redmond] will probably winning 2020-21 campaign. The Redbirds are preout offense. We are going be at the face of our program right With the first practice in the books, dicted to finish fifth in the to have different people now—that lead scorer,” Gillespie the program is shifting its focus to preseason MVC poll and each night be the leading stated. “I thought that Paige Saylor what it can control in the moment. despite heavy losses due to scorer, which will be a nice scored the ball really well down the Gillespie encourages the women to graduation, the program change,” Gillespie said. stretch, she has to do that for us. take it day by day and build quality has a history of finishing Gillespie believes that Mary Crompton is one of the better bonds with one another. higher than the polls. This Kristen senior Juliunn Redmond shooters in the league. Mary has “We are a relationship program. season, the Redbirds lose Gillespie will step in to fill some of gotten much better; she was good I think our wins and our success is TeTe Maggett, Megan Talthe gaps left from those seniors. last year, and she has added a lot based on all that time and all that bot and dual-sport athlete Lexi Walto her game.” effort we put into our women, on and len. The three alumnae accounted for The reigning Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year averOne new face expected to play a off the court.” half of the team’s point production
‘A leap of faith’
Fourth-year Redbird Saylor shoots on her time at ISU with eyes on a conference title RACHEL HICKEY Senior Sports Reporter | @r_hickey15
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enior guard Paige Saylor “got lucky” in discovering the Normal campus. The Martinsville, Indiana, native originally committed to play basketball at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, but her plans came crashing down when the coach who recruited her was suddenly sacked. The change left Saylor in no man’s land—frantically searching for a new collegiate basketball home. With little time to spare between her high school graduation and commitment, Saylor received a call from Kristen Gillespie, the newly minted head women’s basketball coach at Illinois State University. After exchanging a couple more calls, Saylor was sold on the Redbirds, without ever having met the team. “I visited the campus and really enjoyed it, but I didn’t even meet the team before committing to ISU. I took a leap of faith in coming here and I’m still loving it,” Saylor said. Now a senior, Saylor’s four years wearing red and white have also come with their share of challenges. Saylor’s freshman year, the Redbirds were adjusting to some major changes—with a new head coach and very few players. “My freshman year we definitely
struggled a lot team-wise,” Saylor explained. “With all the changes happening that year, we only really played about five girls. So, for me personally it was just so crazy to get thrown into play like that.” However, Saylor earned both All-Valley honors, making both the All-conference freshmen team and the All-conference Defensive team. Saylor’s struggles did not end there. Her sophomore year she fractured her hand—marking the first major injury of her athletic career. Juggling rehabilitation and a slow recovery process, Saylor felt she struggled most through this year. In fact, it was the only season of her Redbird career that she was not a part of the All-Valley honorees. The guard hit her stride junior year—playing in all 29 games and starting in all but two for the Redbirds. Saylor played key roles in the Redbirds’ upset victories over conference foe Missouri State University, as Saylor—a primarily defensive player—honed in on her newly found offensive skill sets. “It’s been four years of work on my offensive skills. Just every day working more and more on those skills,” Saylor said. “I had to train myself to be a little more selfish on the court to get into the ‘score first before passing’ mindset.” Gillespie agrees that
MY VIEW JAKE FOGAL | Sports Editor
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he votes have been tallied, the ranks are set and once again, the Illinois State University women’s basketball team is being overlooked. As the Missouri Valley Conference conducted its yearly preseason poll, the Redbirds were placed at fifth, a one-position improvement from the 2019-20 season. Ahead of last season’s stoppage, the Redbirds had been carrying tons of momentum heading into the Hoops in the Heartland tournament last March. Finishing the season on a 6-to-2 run, with a victory over No. 21 Missouri State University, the Redbirds were prepped to shock folks and steal the conference. Now yes, that was last season. But having had the opportunity to do something special ripped away should push Illinois State University to new heights heading into the 2020-21 season. This team did not need an extra motivator, and now having one makes them that much more dangerous. Exceeding every preseason rank during her three seasons at the helm, head coach Kristen Gillespie claims she does not pay much attention to the poll. “It’s someone’s opinion and when it is all said and done, do I think we can finish better? Yes, but we have a lot of work to do before that,” Gillespie said. Currently it is just someone’s judgment, but that envious feeling of proving your doubters wrong has been felt for years, and very well could be experienced again. Hard work is in store for the Redbirds, as the pandemic and protests gave way to a three and a half week lay-off during the fall semester, building up rust. With the losses of leading scorers TeTe Maggett and Lexi Wallen, some may point to their departures as a leading factor for the Redbirds’ placement. Stepping into their place though is a deep, experienced team ready to spread the ball with unlimited options. Juliunn Redmond and Paige Saylor take on leadership roles as seniors. Both women were fundamental pieces in last season’s successful 19-10 (11-7 MVC) campaign. Redmond earned MVC Newcomer of the Year and Sixth Player of the Year honors, while Saylor was named part of the MVC All-DefenVidette Archive sive Team. Senior Redbird guard Paige Saylor driving to the bucket at Doug Collins Three-point specialist Mary Court. Crompton becomes the third threat on the squad and has been noted Saylor—Gillespie’s first four-year “The goal has always been to by Gillespie for improving as an ofplayer—is a strong defensive player win the league, and we went into fensive weapon. and has helped guide her in the conference thinking we really could Transfers DeAnna Wilson and Tertransition to the offensive. win it last year before COVID hit,” rion Moore have received high praise “I truly think Paige is the best Saylor said. “We didn’t get that from Gillespie since joining the team defender in the league. It has been opportunity, so I guess my main and could fill the void that Maggett fun to watch her transition into focus for this year is cherish every and Wallen are leaving. Wilson more of an all-around player,” chance I get. I want to live in each joins the team after a year at Mobley Gillespie said. “Where she ended moment and control the things that Community College and Moore sat last year is where we need her to be I can.” out last year due to transfer requireat the start of this year.” Gillespie has preached a similar ments. Despite it being her best year on philosophy to the program since While these five players are who I the court, Saylor’s junior campaign her promotion to head coach in assume will have the largest impact for ended in an extended time-out with 2017. the Redbirds this season, remaining the pandemic stripping the Redbirds “Stay in the moment. Take care players will be adding a huge boost of of a chance at the Missouri Valley of business every single day and the depth that will be hard to match for Conference Tournament title. result will take care of itself,” Gilconference foes. Going into her final year as a lespie said. There is so much potential packed Redbird, Saylor brings all the les“Paige really bought in last year into this 13-women roster that somesons learned over the last four years more than ever and stepped up big thing special may be in store. to the table—ready to help lead the for us. She’s a passionate player and Redbirds in pursuit of that elusive good culture kid. She is going to be See WOMEN’S BASKETBALL on Page 7 conference title. very successful in life.”